Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

May seems to be speeding along at a rapid rate with Memorial Day already next weekend. I know the weather hasn’t felt much like Spring, yet, but we are now closer to the Summer Solstice than to the Spring Equinox.

This month is also the great kick-off to graduations, and we want to congratulate and celebrate those who have been graduated by their respective colleges or universities this past month. The high school graduations begin this week with CBA on Thursday, and then the other schools -- SJV, RBC, and Trinity Hall all slated for June 1. The local public schools fall in throughout the month of June. We will celebrate all those who have graduated this year from high school, college, graduate, professional, and trade schools at the Masses on the weekend of June 8-9. Wear your colors and receive a blessing as we celebrate your accomplishments and pray for the success of your endeavors.

Check the bulletin for our “Dine for a Cause” event at the Belford Bistro on June 24. It is always an enjoyable and beneficial evening. We are limited to sixty seats, so make contact with Patti Dickens in the parish office as soon as possible.

The Eucharistic Revival is coming to a quick close with the National Pilgrimage passing through our diocese May 28 - 30. Please check the bulletin for more information on where and when. The Department of Youth and Young Adult ministries in the diocese is sponsoring a Service & Social Day (June 1). See the bulletin and go to the diocesan website for more information.

This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost and the empowerment of the church through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We welcome into full-communion in the church five adults who are receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is a reminder for me to invite anyone who is over the age of fifteen who has not been Confirmed to make contact with the faith formation office for details on preparation for the Sacrament. Our next Confirmation for adults will be the First Sunday of Advent (December 1).

Those men interested in a vocation to the priesthood are invited to attend a Mass and dinner at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine (Freehold) on Tuesday, June 11. Details are in the bulletin. Please pass this along to anyone who might be interested.

A most blessed week to all of you, and safe travels for those who are heading out for the Memorial Day weekend.
Father Garry